Never Pay for a RedBox DVD Rental Again

Why go to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video? Why pay $4-$5 for a DVD movie rental? Why pay anything for a DVD rental ever again? For the last month, I haven't paid for one new release movie at RedBox, and sometimes I've rented two or three in one day. It's legit, it's easy, and if you ever pay even one cent for a DVD rental again, well, you're paying too much. (See also: 8 Ways to Save Money on Entertainment)

I have to thank Peter for first bringing my attention to this back in January, when I posted a free coupon for Hollywood Video. What a fool I was, in hindsight. I was looking for these free rental coupons, scouring the web and clipping magazines and newspapers. All I had to do was pop along to the RedBox which is on my way home from work, punch in a code and grab my free rental.

Code Sharing for RedBox

This is not like illegal downloading (which I hate — cheap, not frugal) or borrowing a copy from a friend. RedBox actually distributes these codes weekly if you sign up for SMS or email messaging. You get free rental codes which you can use for one night's free rental.

But this is the social media age, and the Internet creates a vast number of people all getting codes. Enter the code sharing websites. I've listed a few of my favorites below, but what they basically create is a community of people sharing codes for the RedBox rentals.

Each code is good for one use per credit/debit card (you need to swipe it, you will be charged for each additional day you may have the movie out). If you have more than one card, you get more than one free rental off that code. I have swiped three cards, entered that same code each time, and got three brand new releases for a whole day of movie heaven. OK, so I'm a movie addict.

All you need to do is visit these sites and print out the latest list of codes before your trip to the local RedBox. I like Inside Redbox the best, it gives a percentage rating for the codes, much like RetailMeNot. Anyway, choose your movie, punch in a code (hit the Add Promo Code button), swipe your card and take home your free rental. As long as you return it before 9pm the following day, you never pay for that movie. I do believe they put a $1 hold on your card for each rental, but that is of course returned to you very quickly.

So, there you have it. I can't really believe Blockbuster and Hollywood Video can compete with completely free rentals. And to be honest, with the late fees I've paid in the past, I'm no fan of either.

[Update: the Monday email I received from RedBox today with my code was followed with the phrase, Forward To Friends. I think that settles the ongoing debate about whether RedBox approves of code sharing]

Sites to Find Redbox Codes

Here are sites you can try for codes, which are constantly updated. At the time of writing this article (updated on April 23rd, 2010), both DVDONME and BREAKROOM are working codes that will get you a free rental.

I recently rented a dvd from Red Box. I put it in my machine and about 10 minutes in the screen went blank and that player will not work anymore for any movies. I took the same movie to another player and it did the same thing. We tried 3 players before we were convinced that it was the movie and now we have 3 dvd players that will not read anything. Has any one heard of this before and do you have any advice. Red Box will not do anything.

Guest #3

sorry but it's imposable for a disc to mess up a dvd player. it is just a disc and the dvd player uses a laser to read it. there is nothing a disc can do to mess that up. i think you either work for one of those stores that rent dvds and mad about these things or jstu making stuff up.

Guest #4

you are a theif

Guest #5

no matter how you look at it its stealing,

Guest #6

f u

Guest #7

To unknown guest below with snide comments, stealing is wrongfully taking things. Redbox has comprised this system. They enjoy more frequent trips to their machines and understand the increased flow will yeild higher revenues in exchange for the promotional codes. THEY MADE IT THIS WAY. THEY ARE RAISING REVENUES AND SOME ARE TRYING OUT FREE MOVIES. GET OFF YOUR UNEDUCATED HIGH HORSE.

To everyone else, Enjoy, and thanks "Peter"

Think-Real #8

The story doesn't end with Redbox, it only ends at Redbox now. The truth of the matter is that the video rental places being cheaper had a great negative impact on all the small shops that offered rentals. Nobody cared because it wasn't their job or their store and rentals were cheaper.

Now, Redbox is making it cheaper than the video rental places. Take a wild guess at who is going to lose their jobs. All those people working at the video rental places.

While that is the natural course of things, there is a great cost when people abuse the system.

Most people realize that the money you pay for a movie rental goes towards those that make, distribute and support that industry. If you don't pay for your fair share then real people lose jobs.

Cheating costs jobs, it always does. But hey, it's not your end of the boat that is sinking so who cares.

This is definitely not stealing as Redbox make money when people return late.

Guest #10

YEA

Guest #11

YEA

dirt #12

Hey pokeygranny. Red Box places a sticker in the center of their DVDs with a bar code on it. If this bar code label is off center it could cause the DVD to run out of balance. This would not be the first case of an out of balance DVD or CD wrecking a player.

Guest #13

i have had that same problem with my dvd player not reading any dvds after trying to play a red box dvd. i dont care what anyone thinks they know about dvds not being able to mess up a player but they do and it should be looked in to further. i'm ready to file a suit. i have to go buy another dvd player now. this will be my fourth one. and i am never going to rent anything from them ever again, and telling everyone i know not to rent another one.

Come on, guys. It's a dollar. I think RedBox is the coolest thing around...we use it at least once a week. And yes, I get the one freebie rental per week via SMS...which I use as a legitimate customer. I use it ONCE, as intended. If we abuse the privilege, then either the codes will discontinue--ruining it for everyone; or RedBox will raise their prices. I don't want to see either thing happen. They gave us an inch, let's not take a mile, ok? Be responsible...a good economy functions because people are willing to pay value for products.

I don't really think this matters. You put the code in and get the first day for free. How many people do you think return the DVD the next day? Not to mention there policy is each day is $1 plus tax, after 25 days the dvd is yours. How many people end up keeping the DVDs and paying 26.50 for a movie?

I think this is a clever ploy by Redbox to get more customers. Yes, some will return the next day, but many will still end up paying something. Remember they do have your CC recorded. They get plenty of money.

By the way thanks, this works great. I will take them back on time though. I must be a cheap-arse.

Guest #19

I'm not sure i agree. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesnt always make it back within one day. I really think thats the key for redbox being able to give away rentals every week ( I figure, as long as I get it back to the box before 4 days, I'll still come out ahead going to redbox instead of blockbuster). just a thought.

Come on...seriously? You think Redbox gives out codes thinking they are going to remain 'secret' and that no-one will hand them out to their friends? Do you know anything about business? Redbox certainly does not make their money on 'legitimate customers' that 'only pay a dollar'. Redbox makes their money from late fees and unreturned dvds. Redbox loves people that use codes, hence the reason they send you a free one every week. 'A good economy functions' because of smart people that let people 'take a mile' (by giving them free codes). You ever heard of 'shortcuts' in taxes? The government isn't stupid, they allow you to 'take loopholes' to stimulate the economy. Redbox IS giving you a mile man...take advantage of it.

Guest #23

im pretty sure it is not going to hurt redbox's business they just posted a 3q profit of 46 mill so im sure a few people getting a couple free movies is not gonna kill them .. hey if you can get something back from this corp giants why not .. and if you wanna be a "legitimate" customer be my guest and for everyone else using these codes .. More power too you!!!

Guest #24

I totally agree. While having free movies is awsome we can't take advantage of Redbox.

Guest #25

Let's get to the nitty gritty of it.... REDBOX wants to put NETFLIX, BLOCKBUSTER, HOLLYWOOD VIDEO, etc... all out of business... The codes are for free movies and they come directly from REDBOX... They want you to use them... most consumers forget to or don't get the movie back in time so they get charged... LOL!!! You aren't abusing anything!!! Enjoy your movies

Guest #26

If you know people, then you know that they will exploit everything they can get away with. As time passes and morals decrease so will our freedoms. Everything that is given to us we, as people, will destroy. RedBox is a gimmick, nothing more. Movie studios are going bankrupt, and piracy is rampant, so you better believe things are going to change. In a few more years they aren't going to be making any movies worth watching anyway. I'm not going to go pay to watch a 3d monkey turd on the big screen.

You abuse the system. You are the kind of person who will use EVERY excuse to defend what your doing. Your wrong and you know it. You must be broke if u can't afford a dollar DVD rental. Get a real job you bum.

Guest #30

it's not abusing the system, if it was a problem to the company, they would have stopped the use of all codes, and they haven't. business, is business, and they want people to think it's free. The world is too busy to have to worry about bringing a movie back the next day, and you end up keeping it for a few days anyways

Tami #31

I think Redbox is great - we have one right around the corner. There is never a line, I can always find what I want to watch, and for sure the price is right. I think its generous of them to give a free rental each week. I understand that the codes are out there and by sharing them you don't have to ever pay, but how is that not cheap? If you're making a distinction between cheap and frugal, how can working the system like that be frugal and not cheap. I'm seriously not trying to be judgemental, I'm just curious about your reasoning here. I think it's frugal to rent DVD's at Redbox for a buck a pop and to collect the offered freebie once a week instead of paying $4. at Blockbuster. But if everyone re-uses the same free codes, won't Redbox go out of business or just pull the free codes - I mean, it's not their intention to give everyone free dvd's for life, right? So, how is taking advantage of them any different from illegal downloading? Isn't that taking something for free that is meant to be paid for? A number of months back WB had a post up about Graboid - and many of the WB bloggers, including you Paul, if I'm not mistaken, weighed in on it as crossing the line - how is this different?

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE RENTAL. PIRACY ANTI PIRACY CLAIMS. YOU PAY IN YOUR INCOME TAX STUPID, 20 BILLION A YEAR FROM ALL THE SOFTWARE COMPANIES. IT'S A WHITE COLLAR SCAM. THEY HAVE 50 MILLION DOLLAR HOMES, YOU DON'T. SEE THE LINK. SEE THE PHOTOS ENLARGED. THEY DON'T WANT TO GET PAID. ASK WHY THOSE MACHINES AREN'T PULLED FROM THE STORES FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT? WORD!

Guest #33

Family Video and Blockbuster have free rental deals. Redbox BUYS the movies and rents them out with a contract just like Family Video and Blockbuster but with no "staff and overhead" Redbox can rent at LOWER costs. It's all about economics. Go back to school.

Guest #34

The only reason I think they make money off the "free" rentals through codes is simple-people have lives. Not everyone will return the movie by 9 pm the next day. Or it gets new customers to the Red Box and they decide for a buck, why not get 2 movies, or something for the kids. Its a promo for a reason, it doesn't mean you should go out of your way to get free rentals, but if you've got that much time, you're safer watching movies.

Guest #35

I LOVE RedBox.... and I have to comment on your post. I'm a marketer... I market (advertise) for companies all the time. Companies like Blockbuster and others pay me to bring customers to them... so I know that RedBox is not loosing money by us sharing these freebie codes...they are gaining returning customers.

The monday codes people are talking about here are only good for that 1 day. And the sms tells you that you can share it with friends... but not only that - think about this... if you never heard of RedBox before, and your friend shares this code with you, yes, you will get a free rental, but now you will be returning to redbox.. and guess what - it will most likely be on a day other than monday.

and let's say that an avid redbox user like myself searches the internet for a free codes... and I find some, I will try to use them - that's what they are there for, otherwise redbox would not have created them.. but there will be a time when I really want to watch a movie, and maybe I didn't get a chance to search for the codes, or they don't work because I already used them, or maybe they expired... guess what - I've already searched the movies list, selected a movie and have my heart set on watching it... I will gladly pay the buck.. this is why all the major companies market this way... they get you in with a freebie and now you'll most likely return as a paying customer.

Guest #36

Instead of cheating Redbox, how about getting your DVDs at the library. Many public library system will loan DVDs for free. All you have to do is remember to bring them back.

This is exactly what I was going to say. I never pay for my movies. I love my library.

Guest #38

hell yeah, i work at a library, and that's the best thing to do. support us. we may not have ALL the latest movies, but we update every month on movies that most will like!

Guest #39

The library isn't free, our tax dollars pay for it.

Guest #40

"The library isn't free. Our tax dollars pay for it."
This is all the more reason to use the library - what is your point?

Rose #41

I've been using the Redbox free codes for a few weeks now, and I have to disagree that using the free codes - without ever planning to be a paying customer - is ripping them off. On the contrary, this kind of thing helps their business flourish by increasing the amount of traffic they get and upping their chances of making sales. (And indeed, if you subscribe to their email updates, you will see that they encourage you to pass the code along.)

They *want* people to be hooked on their free rentals, because they know that not everyone will manage to return the DVD within the deadline. Most people are going to get careless and forget, or their plans will change and they won't watch the movie that very night, or they just won't feel like making a run out to return it and figure, "Hey, it's only a dollar."

And remember, since this is a vending machine we're talking about, their overhead is extremely low.

HEY, I THINK REDBOX IS COOL...HOW DO I GET THE CODE FOR A FREEBIE? CAN YOU PASS IT ALONG? TX!

Talura #43

This is just another example of greed in
our society. Hasn't this philosophy wreaked
enough problems in our country today. The philosophy
is that it's an "all about me" attitude and what
you can get by with. Justify all you want to, but
if a dollar is too much to pay for a service and
makes one use deception because of a dollar, then
to what extent would you go to save more money. If
you can fill good about deception, then integrity
isn't in your dictionary. I'm appalled!!!

Talura #44

This is just another example of greed in
our society. Hasn't this philosophy wreaked
enough problems in our country today. The philosophy
is that it's an "all about me" attitude and what
you can get by with. Justify all you want to, but
if a dollar is too much to pay for a service and
makes one use deception because of a dollar, then
to what extent would you go to save more money. If
you can fill good about deception, then integrity
isn't in your dictionary. I'm appalled!!!

redboxcust #45

I'm pretty sure they are making more money selling your e-mail address than they are from the $1 movie. So if you're getting free movies it doesn't really matter, they're still making money. Also, yeah they are making money from late fees as well.

RedBox doesn't see any of the interest charges that your credit card imposes by not paying your balance in full each month. They get whatever they charge you.

Marie #48

Once again, it looks like this offer is not available in Canada. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't actually find any Red Box locations here -- The search tool is only US and I can't find a CA version of the site. (Do correct me -- I'd like to be wrong because this looks like a great deal that I'd like to take advantage of!)

It seems like we Canadians always get the proverbial "short end of the stick" when it comes to offers (and web content!)

I use one redbox code for about every 4 I pay to rent. I just think the company does need to make profits here. They are also keeping track with the credit card number, so yes they could deny you the promo code. As a respect for the company and the ethics, I don't use it every time I rent.

You are missing the point of the promotion code. They don't care how often you use it. You couldn't possibly abuse the system. Say you have 10 credit cards and use the code for each card and rent 10 DVDs. You could do this over and over and never pay a single dollar for your rentals - and so could many other people. But for every 9 people that never pay anything, there will be 1 person who keeps the DVDs for an extra night or two or three or maybe never returns it at all. That money can add up quickly - and it doesn't take much overhead cost to run a vending machine. Use the code every time if you have it.

jdp #52

If I am looking for free entertainment I use the library. But when I want to watch something the library doesn't have, when I want to watch something newly released... I go to the local independently owned video store. I also tend to buy any DVDs this way. Beats amazon + shipping. I appreciate that mom&pop weathered the grocery stores trying to provide movie services (they now have redbox), stood off the 'big name' movie rental stores too. Their prices haven't changed much. I can get my kid a cartoon dvd for a week for a $1. And if you are a big time movie watcher you can even purchase discount cards. They are rarely "out" of anything. They have specials that matter to their customers. We can walk there. I value having them here so I won't be using redbox, even at "free" any time soon because soon they'll be the reason my mom&pop store isn't here and I'm sure they'll then stop the "freebies".

I felt sure I would get some heat for this one, but let's keep things in perspective. First, this is not in any way an illegal activity, unlike copyright violation or duplicating DVDs. This is a legitmate way to get free rentals and if RedBox had any issue with it, they would have pulled a cease and desist order on these code sharing sites long ago.

Second, imagine every single Wisebread reader started doing this. Or, every Digg reader, which is somewhat larger. That is still a tiny percent of the mass market. And the chances that every single one of those people would return that DVD the next day are slim. So, in fact, RedBox is making money out of these codes.

The very few people who do get an actual free rental are few and far between because it takes dedication and commitment to find new codes, watch the movie that night and return it the next day. That's why companies like Blockbuster made such a killing off late fees. RedBox renters are the same as everyone else - they get lazy, they watch the movie two night later, return it late and pay $3-$4 for the rental.

This is good business for RedBox. As a man deep inside advertising and marketing, I know a great money-maker when I see one. I just happen to be on of the few people who is using it to my advantage. If you also want to be one of those people, go ahead.

I agree - it's just like couponing. For example, if you put in the effort, you can get all your personal care items free at CVS using coupons plus their Extra Care Buck program. They lose money on the dedicated couponers. But, they make money on all the average shoppers who buy something because they see a sign: Buy this for $10 get $10 Extra Bucks - so it's Free after Extra Bucks. They buy the 'good deal' and then forget to use the $10 Extra Buck coupon, or lose it, or let it expire, etc.

Same with rebates - people forget to send them in, forget to include the receipt, miss the deadline, etc.

It's a basic marketing strategy to get customers with a 'freebie' or 'good deal' that extra costs are attached if you're lazy, forgetful, etc. They plan on many returning the movie late, not submitting the rebate, forgetting to use the coupone, etc.

I'm just happy to be one who gets the stuff free - and I've recommended them to my friends, only to see them turn the movies in 4 days late. So, the system works and makes money. No cheating necessary.

Misty

Guest #56

@Marie and other complaining Canadians -- please cut out the "poor me" shtick. You're complaining to the wrong source. If it's such a big deal to you that those offers available in the US be offered in Canada, talk to the companies involved. This is a US-based blog -- of course he's going to include things that are mainly useful in the US because that's where he lives!

For Real! I don't think Redbox is making their profit from your $1 per week rental. They make their profit through late fees and DVDs that aren't returned. If it wasn't profitable, they wouldn't churn out the codes. In my opinion, it's perfectly fine to use the codes.

I have to say that Redbox is the marketing genius here. They know that very few people rent a movie at the beginning of the week. This lack of paying customers means that they are not losing any business. As a matter of fact, I am positive Redbox keeps close track of the money they earn from these "free code" movies getting returned late. Besides that I guarantee that many of us who get an occasional free rental on a Monday are willing to be loyal to Redbox for our Friday night rentals. Pure marketing genius!

thanks paul!
yeah, I myself used to be a member of blockbuster's total access plan when it first came out, which wasn't a bad deal (17 bucks for unlimited rentals, having 3 out at a time, plus one extra free in store coupon per week!). However, that soon changed when they started upping the prices and removing benefits of the package.
this is awesome tho!

I've seen the one and only Redbox in my area, every time I grocery shop, but I've never been curious enough to actually go to the box and read about it.

We have Netflix, for like $18 a month, and most months, we usually only get 3-6 movies. We're lazy and forget to put them in the mail after we watch them, and hardly ever get around to watching them! So it's not really worth it for us....but we just keep being a member. I don't know why. I guess cause if you want a strange, or old movie, they are the place to get it. (I'll never set foot in a physical movie store AGAIN!!)

I'm thinking I can use this code thing to my advantage, but I know I'll end up keeping some rentals for too long. I just know it. And they'll make their money. But hopefully, we'll like it enough to ditch Netflix, which will lower our monthly bills!

Sometimes, on a Friday or Saturday, my Husband will say, "what movies do we have?" And I have to tell him....oops...I forgot to return the other ones yet...we still have the ones we watched, or we still have 3 kids movies. Sorry!
So, how cool would it be to run to my grocery store, and pick up a new release real quick!?

Ethically, I'd feel slimy using a service I have no intention of ever paying for by exploiting a loophole. If I have to rationalize my actions by explaining why it's good for the company, I probably shouldn't be doing it.

I really didn't have a problem with this article since I'm sure a lot of people probably don't have the same issues with it as I do but the comment about cheap and frugal is pretty laughable. In both situations you're getting something for free that wasn't supposed to be. Just because there are some shades of gray in between the two doesn't make one better than the other.

This is a loss leader for today. When demand increases, the codes will be harder to share, or will result in less of a discount (or less of a revenue share for the business that is hosting the machine -- the business wants the extra foot traffic). The product is so new that they are trying to get people hooked on it.

This is like the opposite of Netflix. Netflix is like "socialism" - you pay a predictable fee, and get services. This vending machine enables dynamic pricing that changes by the day, and can adjust to raise prices when demand rises.

Maybe Obama can pay for all the people who choose NOT to work and they can get FREE movies so they can watch when they get bored playing XBOX for 23 hours a day while I am working...Just a thought.

Sarah #66

I'm not exactly grading everything on the ethical scale. I think there are obvious differences between the two but at the end of the day, both situations wouldn't make me feel good about myself or my actions. That's really all I need to answer to and different people will make their own assessment on what's right for them.

My feeling is that that redbox distributes ONE code to each person every week. That's pretty generous. But because of how the system works, it can be exploited to get multiple movies. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Hell, I could put $1.25 in the newspaper vender and grab two dozen papers. But I don't because that isn't the intention of the machine. I think Redbox giving the code for free once a week is clouding the issue.

Are you kidding me? Do you even know how that works? Redbox WANTS you to exploit it. Hell use 10 different cards if you want and get 10 movies for free.

See if you can return all 10 by 9pm the next day. That's the genius of it.

Trying to feel bad for Redbox is like trying to feel bad for Credit Card companies. They don't really want you to be honest and pay on time, they desperatey WANT you to miss the date, so they can hit you with fees! (and make money) They don't care about you at all, so NO it is NOT generous like you said, its a marketing trick.

I don't think it is unethical to use coupon codes that Redbox themselves have put out. After all - over the long haul they're still going to be making money from me in multiple ways:

1. I forget to bring a coupon code to rent
2. I keep the movie longer than one day (this happens a lot)
3. I rent more than 1 or 2 movies

Redbox puts these codes out knowing full well that some people are going to use the codes to their advantage - but as mentioned above, it is a loss leader of sorts, and just about everyone ends up paying for Redbox movies at some point, and in some way. The stores also love having redbox there because often people who come to rent a movie end up buying dinner, some groceries, etc.

... this is no more a problem than say using a coupon or rebate to get a product for free.. or even using multiple coupons to get multiple products for free.. if it's in the rules .. then it's fine..
... it's no more unethical than using your credit card and earning rewards.. while paying off the balance each month..

savvy consumers take advantage of deals...

redbox says share the codes with friends... then sharing is fine... they clearly want to increase their usage rates .. get folks familiar with the process ... when they hit their usage goals .. they'll modify their process.. fewer codes etc..

remember.. a dvd that never leaves the redbox has no chance of earning a late return fee.. they know their percentage of return fees.. if you feel all guilty about using a code multiple times... just keep the dvd for an additional day... pay the fee... keep the free rental codes ooming for the rest of us

The closest RedBox location is too far away, and not on any of my normal errand routes:-(. I'll keep checking to see if they add any locations. This would be neat. I usually use the library, only going to Blockbuster every few months when the urge for a new release strikes (and I go to Blockbuster because it's just blocks away:-)

Redbox DVD is a scam. I use to rent DVDs from them using my debit card and always return it on time. However, it was a little too late to notice that they charge me late fees for all a the transactions I made.
I had a suspicion that something weird is going on so the next time that I rented, I used my credit card so I can keep track of the transactions of my card. As always, I returned the DVD on time and to my disbelief, I was charged for late fees again for more than $2 dollars (which meant that I was late for two days). I am trying to contact them but I was put on hold for almost 30 minutes. I will try to call my bank to make an alert on my account. Redbox DVD is an absolute scam. If you think that you're saving money from a dollar rent of DVD, well i guess its not the way it is.

I just had the exact same thing happen to me last weekend. I always rent for one day and take the DVD back on time. Last weekend I didn't get a confirmation email right away. Eventually I did, with an extra two days of charges ($2). I sent an email to the company but no response.

Rather than pursue it any further I will blog about it. Redbox can be my blog fodder for a day. Too bad because I liked the service.

Guest #78

THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE... I WAS CHARGED 43.00 AND 76.00 DOLLARS NEVER AGAIN TAKES HOURS TO GET THREW AND NEVER GET MONEY BACK

Guest #79

Well, they got me for 52.44, for movies that had been returned a month and a half earlier, and refused to admit their mistake, according to them I am just out my money. I never even used a free coupon, I paid for every movie I rented, and then some thanks to their ignorance.

Guest #80

Red Box iI wont rent from them again
I rented from them 3 times and never got to see a movie
the previews of other movies is all that was on the dvd
other then that they were blank

Guest #81

I used Redbox twice and had extremely damaged DVDs both times. I, too, tried to contact the 800 number and was never able to talk to an actual person. Luckily, I was only out a couple of bucks, but I won't use RedBox again.

Just wanted to reply by saying that Red Box customer service has always been more than helpful to me. They've always answered the phone promptly when I've called. In fact, one time when I called and told them I hadn't rec'd my free code yet...they gave me my own personal code to use for that day!
I call that excellent customer service! Another time I called them, (again they answered the phone right away), to let them know I hadn't rec'd my Monday code & they told me that I would be receiving it shortly. They apologized & explained they were having some technical difficulties & I should receive shortly....and I did.
Still luvin' the Red Box!!

Shme #83

I hear you on the damaged DVD's, however, I have had lots of luck with RedBox once I called the 800 number. You just have to be patient with them. If you call in the evening, they'll keep you on hold forever (probably because they are so busy with calls), but they'll get to you. If you don't reach them, leave a message or call them the next day, during the day.
I have had a number of messed up DVD's, that skip and stop, etc. Each time I've had the issue, I called and was either taken care of that night or the following day they called me back (after I left a message).
What's nice is if YOU call them, then they will mark the DVD to be pulled from circulation, saving the next Joe from not having to deal with the same problem. Then on top of that, they'll give you two free codes for your troubles.

IMO: it's a fair trade to deal with the scratched DVD's now and again. You're going to run into that no matter where you go. Like I said b4, you just have to be patient with them.

Try 'em again, and have a little patients. Remember, were all human (I'm pretty sure anyway), and they aren't the ones who scratched the DVD... someones kid probably did it and didn't report it.

Cheers!

Michelle #84

Hey, I just wanted to let all of you who have received scratched DVD's that if you send in a complaint by email they will respond. Someone I know did that and they sent a very apologetic letter back with 3 free promo codes.

you all know that redbox is not a big "corporation" kind of company? each redbox is owned by an individual, kind of like a vending machine. so ripping off redbox is ripping off an individual trying to make a living.

Video Buyers Group and other Studios have not given out our prestigious AT-A-BOY award for quite some time, but we truly believe Universal is deserving so AT-A-BOY Universal!

Here is how Uni earned this award. Universal's new Redbox revenue sharing agreement limits the number of units of new releases per kiosk to 8 units for the first 45 days from street date. Also all units now must be destroyed instead of being sold to consumers used. Universal is saying, "Take it or leave it."

To further drive home the "take it or leave it" revenue sharing agreement being offered to Red Box, both VPD and Ingram Entertainment will be terminated if they continue to supply Redbox with Universal DVDs.

The lawsuit filed Oct. 10th by Redbox in U.S. District Court in Delaware claims Universal's new terms for vending machines would eliminate the low-cost rental alternative for consumers by prohibiting Redbox from renting or selling Universal DVDs until 45 days after they first street, limiting the number of Universal DVDs the Kiosk operator can stock, and requiring Redbox to destroy Universal's DVDs after they leave the kiosk, instead of being sold as used to consumers. Redbox is seeking an injunction that would prohibit Universal from limiting the number of its DVDs in Redbox kiosks. Fiscal damages, declarations of copyright misuse, and that the revenue-sharing agreement violates antitrust laws.

So what is the real issue? Lost sales, lost rentals and lost revenue. Where are we seeing the majority of Redbox kiosks and vending machines being placed? They are showing up at locations that traditionally are best noted and suited for sell-thru to include Walmart, drug store chains such as Walgreens, and grocery stores. Picture a mom in a Walmart store with a couple of kids in the cart and a limited budget. There are a couple of new release family titles they want to watch over the weekend. They stroll through the video department and find both titles for sale for $15.99. Now mom knows these titles are most likely also available by the front door for rent in the Redbox for $1.00 each. What decision do you think mom will make? Most would bet on the Redbox getting Mom's dollars for these two titles. Similarly if this mom is going for dinner at McDonalds and wants a movie for the evening, is she going to make an extra stop at the video store to rent a movie for $3.50 or will she go
inside the McDonalds and rent the video for $1.00? Obviously the issues are pretty much the same for the sell-thru side of the business as they are for the rental side. Previously viewed units are beginning to show up in vending machines at extremely low price points, again having an affect on both sides of the business.

Vending machines with price points we have seen to date are causing real cash flow issues for the entire industry, which will only get worse if something isn't done. If Redbox and other vending machines companies want to lose millions of dollars, if not hundreds of millions, it's up to them. To destroy an industry while they're doing it is not what makes our economy work. If there are legal grounds for an anti-trust lawsuit, there should also be legal grounds for unfair business practices to the point of predatory pricing, which is illegal in many states.

Again, At-A-Boy Universal. We do expect other studios to offer similar terms and conditions in the future, depending upon the outcome of the lawsuit. To all other studios, this is the right thing to do for our industry.

Guest #87

Competition sucks doesn't it? If there is one thing Hollywood studios hate its a fair fight. At-A-Boy Redbox!

Guest #88

Redbox is actually owned by McDonalds.

Guest #89

Where did you get that information about McDonalds owning Red Box???

Guest #90

No it is not

Kirk Bonner #91

Redbox does not allow franchises the Bedbox's are all owned by Redbox, not by a individual, not by the store they are in, by Redbox. If you don't believe me check their website

Guest #92

"Redbox Automated Retail LLC was initially funded by McDonald's Ventures, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald’s Corp. In 2005, Coinstar bought 47 percent of the company. In February 2009, Coinstar paid McDonald’s and other shareholders between $169 and $176 million for the remainder of the company."

When returning a DVD, make sure that the message "your dvd was returned successfully" appears.
One day this man inserted a dvd and left. A few seconds later, it popped out. He had inserted it the wrong way. I reinserted it. If I had kept it that person would have been charged for it and he would be disputing the charge because he did returned it not knowing what had happened.

Guest #95

Always put in a e-mail address to you get a return confirmation. That way if something does happen you can catch it before the charges get too high.

Guest #96

If the DVD is turned the wrong way in the case, it never gets scanned as "RETURNED". You have to make sure the barcode is facing the right side or you will be charged late fees.

joanie #97

I was not happy to see a 50.00 charge on my debit card for a movie i returned.

krissy #98

they keep adding on late fees when i have returned the movies back ON TIME...DONT RENT FROM REDBOX.

no because whatever your sales tax rate is times zero is zero. 8% X 0 = 0. I remember stores used to do that but I think they must have changed it, because I am not getting taxed on stuff like buy 1 get one free from buying groceries and redbox as well